Adolescents - Segregated and Subordinated

• NCJ Number: 78950
• Journal: New Designs for Youth Development Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1981) Pages: 9-13
• Author(s): R M Francis; G Walker
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: This article has been adapted from a report entitled 'Behavioral Foundations for Delinquency Prevention,' by Grant Walker and David Wyka.

Annotation

This article reports findings from a survey of young people, grades 7 through 12, which was taken in Stratford, Conn., in the spring of 1980; the survey was part of a project designed to reduce delinquent behavior in the community.

Abstract

The survey was designed to measure the amount of delinquent activity in which young people were involved and to provide a better understanding of adolescence and some of the factors which cause young people to commit delinquent acts. Survey methods were based on the assumption that anonymous self-reporting of actions, feelings, and needs would yield data which would be less subject to errors resulting from peer pressure and unwillingness to admit true behavior. Findings revealed that more than 90 percent of the young people surveyed were involved in some sort of delinquent activity. Violations included acts of vandalism, stealing cars, carrying weapons, and drug use. While most had engaged in only an occasional violation, close to 20 percent reported committing several delinquent acts often. The age of a youth correlated strongly with the extent of delinquent activity. With the exception of illegitimate use of alcohol and drugs, all types of delinquent activity were more prominent among eighth and ninth graders than among other students. Alienation of youth from adults and from community-based institutions was strongly related to delinquency. In addition, the survey suggested that delinquent activity is unlikely to be a solitary experience. Although 90 percent of the young people felt that their parents cared about them, many felt that their parents would not help them if they were in serious trouble. The study concluded that more mutual understanding between parents and adolescents is required, that formal education should be more varied, and peer enforcement structures must be encouraged. Photographs, one table, and one figure are provided.